Meg,
i think the idea is excellent - more people should try "starting at the
beginning."  my first suggestion would be to talk with the SHPO (state
historic preservation officer) or your state historical commission for
guidance.  there may have been archaeological work already done i this
area that guide these plans.  a historical search of legal records is
part of the mix.  an archaeologist who meets state or depart. of the
interior qualifications, who is qualified in crm work with local/areal
experience and knowledge of requirements would be an essential
ingredient for the team.  your SHPO can undoubtedly furnish a list of
firms who do this sort of work.  depending on the budget, time frame,
etc. this may or may not be a fiscal possibility.  if not, ask the SHPO
if there is a local professional, e.g. archaeologist at local college,
local archaeological society comprised of volunteers under the direction
of a skilled and knowledgeable individual, maybe get a professional
(paid) to work with a group of archaeol. soc. volunteers to bring proj.
in at budget and within timeframe (this kind of set up often has to be
done on weekends).
There are potentially three phases:
        1) initial survey (including document search and physical survey, incl.
shovel tests)
        2)testing any sites disc. in phase 1 to determine extent, nature of
deposit, integrity i.e. floors, undisturbed midden deposits, etc.
        3) full scale excavation
there are lots of potential situation for good p.r. in this sort of
thing, espec. if you involve volunteers.  but volunteers for
archaeology  projects need to be people who understand that there are
certain ways to do things, they don't take stuff home, etc.
also, while good press is important, if there is potential for
signifigance in site information, you'll need to play your press card
carefully - maybe at the end of excavation.  this might also influence
the way(s) you look to get excavators (volunteers) for project if that's
the route you think you want to go.
hope this helps; feel free to contact me with questions, but your SHPO
is prob. a faster source and will know your local situation.
linn
M. A. Ehr wrote:
>
> The Outagamie County Historical Society is preparing a cultural resource management plan for its historic house museum, the Charles A. Grignon mansion in Kaukauna, WI.  The mansion, a mid-19th century fur trader's home, is the only extant building at the site, but curators believe an archaeological survey may reveal evidence of other structures on the seven-acre park site around the mansion.
>
> The curator in charge of the project (not me) would like to get in touch with anyone who has done a CRM plan for a similar (or even not similar!) site. What resources would you suggest the planners consult as they begin this process?
>
> You may reply to me on or off list, and I will forward responses to the responsible parties.  Thanks for your help!
>
> Meg Ehr
> Curator
> Outagamie Museum and Houdini Historical Center
> 330 E. College Ave.
> Appleton, WI  54911
> (920) 735-9370